By Brenda Cannon Henley
I have heard all of my days that in life we will meet two main types of people — the givers and the takers. It is a fairly simple truth. Think about it and I would be willing to bet my best Texas boots that you can form a list of names in your mind with some in each category. Now, we are not going to ask you to do that or to share those names with others. That would tend to put us on the ugly side of life and we don’t want that.

Some people seem to be born with an innate desire to help other human beings and even animals. Others seem to have come into this world with an intense desire to maintain only for them and sometimes for their family members or for someone they deem worthy. They go through life with their hands out, usually their feelings hurt, and a scowl on their face. If life isn’t served up the exact way they expect it to be, woe are those around them and sadness and anger fill the space they occupy.

I have some good friends, especially those that make their homes on the beloved, beat up, and beautiful Bolivar Peninsula, and I know that if I should call any one of them with a need for myself or others, they would respond positively, quickly, and without any negative attributes. If I needed finances to help others, checks would be in the mail. That is just the way they are — inside and out. They are givers. Giving is in their DNA. Others would bicker, frown, hint at wrongdoing, judgment, or something more akin to criminal activity.

Others in Southeast Texas, remembering Hurricanes Rita, Katrina, and Ike, wouldn’t think twice about writing a check, giving groceries from their own pantries, rolling up their sleeves to work, or providing transportation, homes, and anything else needed. People are staying in my home as I type and I am glad. I clearly remember one of my very first interviews many years ago here in Southeast Texas. It was with the dynamic and delightful Paula O’Neal, executive director of Some Other Place. Paula shared with me her story and then we toured the wonderful agency where people were given food, household and school supplies, and often referrals for additional help.

“Brenda, you will never meet a more generous group of givers than you will find in Southeast Texas,” said Paula. “They care about others.” She went on to tell me about regular, consistent volunteers that served food often to our homeless residents in the area. Others were regular givers with their financial contributions keeping the work afloat. Still others were encouragers when times were sad and burdens were heavy. I learned that C. W. Conn, founder of Conn’s, even in his last years, put on an apron and served food on Christmas and other holidays to those who would not have had a hot meal. I used one of the photographs of Mr. Conn in my article.

The point I am trying to make here is to ask the question of each reader — Are you a giver or a taker? If others think of you, which category would your name fall into on a regular basis? I do realize that there are times when health, business, family, or other personal reasons might prevent us being involved, but as a general rule, are you willing?

What made me begin to think of this article in a heavy-duty light is the vast flooding we have experienced in several counties near Beaumont. I now live in Orange and the great waters of the mighty Sabine River came way too close to my house for comfort this go round. When the gates were opened on Toledo Bend Lake, twice the rate of water flowed through per second than flows over historic Niagara Falls. Because a great deal of rain had fallen, the marshy land along the river and outward, had already been inundated with water and could not take on more. Levels began rising and homes began flooding. Animals were in danger and humans could not even get home to remove precious memories from their property. Roadways became rivers, pastures became lakes, and every tributary, canal, pond, pool, and the river itself was overflowing. Caskets floated out from the local cemeteries and could be seen on roadways and up against banks and buildings. Sad times.

But, as it was with Hurricane Ike and other natural disasters, some of these Texans rolled up their sleeves and started to work. Men, women, and children could be found bagging sand to use to try to save property. They found food and shared it with others. They helped to relocate animals. They helped moved furniture and supplies. They did not ask, “Why?” “Will anyone know that I am doing this?” “Will I get any credit for helping my community?” They were too busy working and caring.

Folks, we are either givers or takers, and more than that, we either give with the right attitude and motive, or we give to be acknowledged, garner attention, and be more approved. Let’s vow to give with the right heart and help to make our world a better place in which to live. God bless the givers.
[3-21-2016]

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788 or
[email protected].